U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project

 

Pouring the concrete barrier as one of the last items of work before traffic is shifted to the westbound side of the new Ponderado Road Undercrossing.

Bridge deck, asphalt paving, and concrete barrier work on the new undercrossing (left). Rebar being set for concrete barrier walls on the new bridge (right).

Project Facts

Description

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to improve safety on U.S. Highway 50 (US 50) in the Camino corridor by installing a concrete median barrier, repaving the roadway, constructing an undercrossing, providing access to the undercrossing from local roads, improving drainage, and constructing a wildlife crossing under the highway. The project is in El Dorado County on US 50 from the Mosquito Road Undercrossing to the Schnell School Road Undercrossing (culvert replacement work) and from 0.2 miles west of Still Meadow Road to 0.2 miles east of Carson Road, post miles (PMs) 18.5 to 24.2.

Project Benefits

The purpose of this project is to improve safety on US 50 in the Camino corridor by installing a concrete median barrier that would restrict left-turn movements at at-grade intersections, rehabilitate deteriorated culverts and provide access for wildlife crossing the route. Safety improvements are needed because the collision rates along this segment of US 50 are higher than the statewide average. The culverts have exceeded their intended design life and require rehabilitation, and the wildlife crossing is needed to facilitate off-highway movement between the north and south side of US 50. A secondary purpose is to maintain local and regional access to and from the north and south sides of Highway 50 while providing safe east-west access on and off the highway.

Construction Updates

July 25-31

Beginning Sunday, July 25 the highway is scheduled to be reduced to one lane in each direction for up to 20 consecutive days for installation of a wildlife undercrossing. In addition, drainage work and construction of the Ponderado Undercrossing continues on the north side of Highway 50 behind k-rail with no lane reductions.

News Releases/Project Information

Weekday Lane Reductions to Start on U.S. Highway 50 Project

U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project Under Way

U.S. Highway 50 Camino Safety Project Presentation 6-24-21 (.pdf)

U.S. Camino Safety Project Construction Completion Schedule (.xlsx)

Funding Breakdown

Phase 1 Funding:
Local - $7,300,000
State - $5,500,000
Federal - $42,600,000
Estimated Total Project Cost - $55,400,000

Project Schedule

Environmental Document Completed -- 01/30/18
Right of Way Acquisition Completed -- 07/01/19
Design Completed -- 07/01/19
Advertise -- 12/15/19
Begin Construction -- 08/15/20
Expected Completion -- 12/01/22

Partnership

El Dorado County, El Dorado County Transportation Commission

Project Contact

Robert Nguyen, Project Manager
Phone: (530) 682-6333

Steve Nelson, Public Information Officer
Phone: (530) 741-4566